Is Hunting a Right or a Privilege?

Some people believe hunting is a right similar to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. It isn’t. Hunting is a privilege—one that can be taken away if you fail to meet certain standards. A right cannot be taken away from an individual; a privilege can.

For example, if you don’t do your homework, your parents may take away your “television privileges.” You may drive a car, but your license can be taken away if you drive irresponsibly or recklessly. Similarly, if you disobey hunting laws, your privilege to hunt may be taken away. Behaving irresponsibly and illegally can jeopardize all hunters’ privileges to hunt.